With Hurricane Helene’s absolutely devastating effects on Asheville, we’ve been closed for a couple weeks with no income. We still have no running water, and won’t for many weeks or months. While we’re incredibly fortunate our store is still standing, the bills haven’t stopped. It’s likely many of the small businesses that physically survived will not survive the aftermath with no shoppers or tourism to provide any income for the foreseeable future. I’ve heard from several business they received relief (full or partial) on October rent, and just found out this will NOT be the case for Clad, and that full rent is due. Additionally, right now through holidays is supposed to be the time small businesses get a little bit of financial security, and that’s completely out the window this year.

Asking for help feels wrong because so many others are far worse off, but I also know that without help, Clad will have to close, because I can’t pay rent with no money coming in. PLEASE donate to relief funds first. And if there’s anything leftover, we’d greatly appreciate the support. We just opened a couple months ago and would love to stick around as Asheville rebuilds its incredible community.